Aluminum boat hull repair tips.. help appreciated

[gregmacedon]

Got a solid older Blue Fin i use for fishing as often as we can. Over the last year, the aluminum ruptured (1-2 inches vertical crack) at the very front center of the hull. It is the point where my trailer V rubber guide snugs up to the hull. I suspect it is from stress of trailering and bumps. It is way above the waterline but I want to repair so it does not get bigger.

Can anyone help and offer ideas or product(s) that can correctly fix this? I can also get at this small crack from the inside of the boat....Thanks in advance

[MCF]

Take it to a shop that does aluminum welding and have them weld it. Have had to do the same with 2 boats that I have had, is the easiest and for sure way of solving the issue.

[NitroMusky]

After you're done repairing you may want to reinforce the area to help prevent the damage from recurring. Something like this:

http://www.marinecarpeting.com/boat-par ... ector.html

[ Post made via BlackBerry ]

[gregmacedon]

Thanks for the replies guys ! I like to DIY, I was wondering if there is a good solution I could do myself?

[johnnywalleye]

try jb weld..the stuff is amazin..sticks to anything is tough as nails and you can mix it your self....ive used it in lots of applications....or ypu ca go to bps and they SHOULD alum welding stixs..and so long 4 now;john

[carpedium]

You could add aluminum to the inside and rivet it - If you are in the area I have extra rivets and a gun

[Knotlost]

There is nothing as good as welding, where do you live? (I weld).

[gregmacedon]

Thanks all....I live in Macedon

[carpedium]

Check this out:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=536250

[carpedium]

If you can get at it from the inside - you can do the same thing except with the rivets being the only thing showing on the outside.

[711skwerlz]

If you use a patch be sure to "wet install" the patch and rivets. Coat the two surfaces before putting them together and dip each rivet before installing. This will prevent any corrosion or vibration in the patch. Definitely stop drill the crack.

Welding would be easier though.